Influence of headteachers’ characteristics on students’ discipline in public secondary schools in Borabu District, Kenya

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The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of headteachers’ personal characteristics on student discipline in public secondary schools in Borabu District, Kenya. Five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The sample comprised of
22 headteachers, and 125 teachers. Data were collected by use of questionnaires and were analysed by use of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Findings revealed that most of the schools faced discipline problem of noise making, sneaking out of school and bullying. It was also revealed that headteachers qualification influenced student discipline to a very high extent. Headteachers who were highly qualified were able to handle discipline than those with low qualifications. Findings revealed that headteachers’ age influenced student discipline Headteachers who were elderly were able to handle discipline differently unlike the young headteachers. Elderly headteachers were more understanding based on their experience in terms students discipline. It was also revealed that headteachers’ administrative experience influenced student discipline. Headteachers with high administrative experience were able to handle pupils discipline. The findings also revealed that headteachers’ gender influenced students discipline. It was also revealed that headteachers had not attended any management course which impacted on the way they handled discipline. Based on the findings, it was concluded that headteachers’ academic qualifications influenced student discipline in public secondary schools. The study also concluded that headteachers age influenced student discipline. Headteachers who had longer administrative experience had been exposed to discipline issues in the schools and had learned how to handle such discipline cases. The study further indicated that headteachers’ gender influenced students’ discipline. The study also concluded that headteachers’ training on school administration and management influenced students’ discipline. Headteachers The training that headteachers had undergone had enabled them deal with discipline. Headteachers who had been trained in management were able to manage human resources of which students discipline is part of. Based on the findings, it was recommended that appointment of the headteachers should be done taking into considerations the headteachers’ academic qualifications. It was also recommended that headteachers appointed in schools should have a minimum age that makes them mature enough to handle discipline. Teachers appointed to head schools should have undergone some administrative experience which will enable them be effective headteachers. The study suggested a study on how headteachers marital status influence students’ discipline should be conducted. A study on the relationship between category of school and discipline should be conducted and lastly, a study on the influence of teachers’ demographic variables and their influence of students’ discipline should be conducted.